One thing I have learned in my journalism career is that being a star is not an easy ball game. There are so many things that have to be looked into and managed to make you sustain at the top of your game, which is why public relations and the people helping with those certainly play a very important role in an actor’s life. They hustle in the Bollywood bustle and keep going without holidays, but I guess that’s what gives them the high in life. Well, recently when I spoke to publicist Divvya Nandrajog, she made me believe that you really need nerves of steel covered with a thick skin if you want to get into the PR game.
Divya has been at it for a decade now, working with the best in business, she has interesting stories from her career to share, about working with the Late Sushant Singh Rajput, Katrina Kaif, and many more. Today, Divvya owns a firm ‘One Communication’, and she still walks that tightrope managing a huge number of celebs, the only difference is that now Divvya has mastered walking on that rope. It’s been fun, and not easy, but she still keeps going…
Sharing how she reached this seat of Public Relations and Image Reputation, Divvya shares…
I forayed into the entertainment business as a journalist and was always in touch with publicists at the time. The field interested me and I joined MSL in December 2012, there I was part of the team that handled PR for lifestyle clients like HUL, Bombay Dyeing, etc. In 2014, I worked with Crisscross Communications, where we handled noted film festivals like MAMI and Jagran Film festival. Post that I began my journey with one of the leading film PR firms, Raindrop Media Pvt Ltd in Mumbai. I was there for four years, during which time I worked closely with many artists like Katrina Kaif, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Ram Charan, Pooja Hegde, Karan Singh Grover, Pernia Qureshi, etc. as an image reputation manager.
But did Divvya see a bright future in this industry? Well, she says…
I am a people’s person so I was naturally drawn towards communication and the media industry. I started working in my second year of college with Magna publications. Post my graduation, though I continued in the field of journalism, the natural progression for me was to explore the PR world. I thought it was exciting and challenging to promote and build someone’s brand/image, and it was a great fit for me.
Divya also told me about some very special memories from her journey…
From heading my first campaign, to working on the promotion of my first Bollywood film, there are so many special memories to choose from. One of my most special memory is working closely and building the brand that Sushant Singh Rajput was. From being part of his journey before M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story days to him becoming, ‘The Sushant Singh Rajput’, the entire process of building his brand was an incredible learning experience. He was very warm and a wonderful person. Another person, I must menttion is Katrina Kaif – from Tiger Zinda Hai days to the launch of her makeup brand Kay beauty! She is so professional and dedicated. Her attitude towards work and life is truly admirable. Another very special moment for me, would be the ultimate dream of becoming an Entrepreneur – starting my own PR firm One Communication where I continue to live my dream and passion.
A decade down, and one own company later, Divya tells me what still keeps her going…
Sometimes I wonder too! The most thrilling part of this profession is that no two days are the same. It’s unpredictable and fun. There are challenges because we are managing human beings, who are constantly being told by everyone how to do things, not always by well-meaning people. Also, walking the tightrope of keeping the media as well as your client happy, that’s no easy feat. But every day there is a new learning and people managing. I find it very exciting to come up with idea to promote my clients and position them as Superstars/Best Actors .
That’s not all on a parting note, Divvya also shares a beautiful message for all those who aspire to be in her shoes someday…
When I started out, there were limited PR firms and the interaction with celebrities was very warm and one-to-one. Now that doesn’t hold true. Now things are very hectic and there is hardly time to grow a bond. The number of media companies have multiplied majorly and it has only become tougher. Although, with the arrival of OTT platforms, there is a sudden boom in the industry in terms of actors, writers, makers and influencers, who are all potential clients, the media has become very selective, which makes the job of a publicist harder. Also, in India, the Paparazzi have truly arrived. They are everywhere and now they are as wanted as the Bombay Times front page! So my advice to someone getting into this line would be that be persistent, and develop a thick skin. Learn to work round the clock, including Sundays and while on vacation, because there are no days off!
Well, I am certain that living the life you want may not have only a bed of roses to walk on, there are thorns too. But walking through those is what it is all about, for Divvya too the journey continues and I can only wish that it turns out to be an even more amazing one.